Soul Food Restaurants near Forest Park, IL

“The most incredible jerk skillet I’ve ever had! The shrimp and grits was also phenomenal. It required some patience to wait for our food but it was well worth it.Just so you know this is a real review, not everything in our order was perfect; we were fine with that. Please visit this restaurant so they stay in business! The food is amazing. Just give yourself extra time.“

“From the moment my partner and I stepped into the Soul Food Lounge on the West Side of Chicago, we knew we were in for something special. This wasn't just any date night dinner; it turned out to be a dining experience that set a new standard for what I consider exceptional food and service.The atmosphere of the restaurant immediately enveloped us in warmth and welcome. The decor, with its cozy yet vibrant touches, set the perfect stage for what was to come. But it was the food that truly stole the show. Every dish we ordered was not just good; it was the best version of that dish I have ever had in my life. The flavors were rich, authentic, and perfectly balanced, making every bite a delight.The service at the Soul Food Lounge was equally impressive. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our evening was memorable. They were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely seemed to care about our experience. It's rare to find a place where the service matches the quality of the food, but Soul Food Lounge did just that.In a city known for its culinary scene, the Soul Food Lounge stands out as a gem. It's not just the food or the service alone that makes it exceptional; it's the combination of both, along with the atmosphere, that creates a dining experience unlike any other. I can say without a hint of exaggeration that this was the best food I've ever had in my life, complemented by service that was nothing short of excellent.If you find yourself on the West Side of Chicago looking for a meal that will leave a lasting impression, do yourself a favor and visit the Soul Food Lounge. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience that you won't soon forget.“

“It was my 1st time trying Vegan World Cafe & it was a good experience. The service was excellent & the atmosphere was very good & welcoming. I had the soul plate with ribs, Mac /cheese & yams. The ribs were very delicious ?! Mac/cheese was very different & just ok. The yams were perfect!! While waiting for my order, I was given a chicken snap which was very very good! I'll definitely return to check out other menu items!“

“We love to frequent new restaurants and Vari’s did not disappoint. The food is absolutely delicious! We loved the seasoned to perfection fried ribs. The sides we ordered were red beans and rice along with sweet potatoes. Again, absolutely delicious! Due to the excellent service and food, we plan to return in the near future to try other dishes.“

“As an event producer for a large organization, I am often looking for businesses that are local and I especially love to focus on businesses that are owned and operated by historically-excluded people groups. Two Sisters is woman- and black-owned and more than that, Chef Veah is a dream to work with! Not only putting together a delicious menu which had all my guests asking who the caterer was, but also helping make the set up just right alongside me. Veah enhanced our event in many ways and I am looking forward to working with them again! (p.s. no matter what you do, get the pound cake - trust me! Next time I'll order an extra whole cake just for me... no joke...)“

“It was a first time visit for me, my wife and two friends. We have followed Chef Mendez's cooking for years and Estación doesn't disappoint! His cuisine is delicious, soulful and authentic. Cocktails, beers and wine are solid. Our server and support staff were very warm and friendly, the ambiance is cozy and definitely more welcoming than the minimal exterior suggests. We sat at the front table and I saw several people peeking in while they walked by on this busy stretch of Howard at Damen. This is definitely a place locals need to patronize, and if we didn't live 30-45 minutes away by car we would be regulars by now!“

“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Just Like Mama's for a corporate event last week, and I couldn't be more impressed with their exceptional service and delectable food. Ms Veda and her team at Just Like Mama's went above and beyond to make our event a resounding success.From the moment they arrived, it was clear that professionalism and punctuality were at the forefront of their service. They set up everything seamlessly and right on time, ensuring that the entire catering process was smooth and stress-free.Now, let's talk about the food - oh my goodness, it was an absolute delight for the taste buds! The BBQ chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful, the rib tips were succulent and perfectly cooked, the baked beans had just the right amount of smokiness and sweetness, and the cole slaw was a refreshing balance of crunch and creaminess. Each dish was clearly prepared with love and attention to detail, and it truly felt like a homemade feast. Our guests raved about the meal, and many even asked for Just Like Mama's contact information for their own future events.If you're looking for a locally-owned restaurant that delivers top-notch catering, Just Like Mama's is an absolute gem. Ms. Veda and her team have mastered the art of combining mouthwatering flavors with exceptional service. I can't recommend them highly enough, and I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to savor their delicious offerings.Thank you, Just Like Mama's, for making our event an unforgettable experience!“

“My Fraternity Brother Anthony Williams and partner Byron Diggs when not bringing great joy as a part of the Our Lady of Our Lady of Africa Parish, Chicago Eucharistic Ensemble have a great Cafe in Maywood right off of I 290. It is called Meal of the Day and has some great southern cuisine in an establishment on the 4th floor of a business complex overlooking I 290. It is appointed with some great art from notable black artists . There is also a banner from Hales Franciscan Class of 1979 , not sure what that’ s all about .. lol! They also do on site catering and have fed the masses after masses at their home church . Check them out ! My fraternity brother has been telling me for years to make the drive and wifey and I finally did and it was so worth it ! .“

“I had takeout..customer service is excellent. I had the stuffed turkey leg filled with delicious dirty rice.I also had white cheddar macaroni and green beans and white potatoes. The yams were perfect and seasoned to perfection. I HIGHLY recommend Shake a leg..It's real food with good seasoned turkey. I also had punch which was thrist quenching.Parking: Street parking“

“Sped my first Thanksgiving eating in a restaurant. Took the entire family had a wonderful time. Food was extremely fresh, cosley bringing out new hot food. Enjoyed it immensely. My only complaint I felt it was just a little bit high in price.“

“I live in Lombard and shop at Fruitful Yield, which carries a small selection of what you guys offer, as someone who is trying to gradually cut down/cut out meat and dairy products from my diet, your guys meals are a godsend. The lasagna (my absolute fav), mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie are delicious and some of my favorite grab and go meals for when I need something quick. I have yet to try the wraps but am definitely going to in the future. Thank you guys for making some truly tasty vegan food that all I have to do is heat up and enjoy (that also isn’t as processed as most meat/dairy substituted food items)!! :)“

“So today I found this soul food place, I just want to say my one disappointment is that it only opens once a week on Sunday's, but I tried almost everything they had, I tried their meatloaf which is the best meatloaf I've had in this area, their baked chicken falls off the bone perfectly cooked, their candied yams nice and sweet, I mean everything was perfection.Loved the family atmosphere feel in their kitchen.And the banna cream was very well done, the peach cobbler was nice and hot and very good.Thank you Brown's soul food.“

“Best gourmet food to have in your stomach. I have been in love with this food since i heard about it .... I order from this place almost every other week .. Each time i do... Im never disappointed .. Its the spices and flavors that just pop in mouth that keeps me coming back !!!!! Highly Recommended“

“Excellent customer service. Restaurant is spotless. Menu is inclusive in a healthy and ethnically relevant manner. The owners blonde curls made me swoon with her sweetness and happy disposition. Then, there was the food. Absolutely absolutely absolutely amazing ??????! Social consciousness and comfort food magically concocted on my plate. AKA Heaven. Will definitely be back.“

“UPDATE: A few months later, I returned good still good and order correct. The kitchen closes as 2:20 tho despite the website.Ordered sandwiches for my birthday and for that day. Both orders were incorrect. I called to confirm the birthday order and that was still incorrect. Food was good tho.“

“Wonderful. Great music, great service, and a cozy joint. I can't recommend this spot more.My best friend, a regular, took us back after 3+ years of living in LA, and the bartender (who is always there and amazing) REMEMBERED her. You don't get that often, these days.“